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Fig Power

May 31, 2017

Almost everyone has heard of Fig Newtons. Maybe you’ve eaten Fig Newtons before- but have you ever tried the fruit that makes up the filling of a Fig Newton? If not, there are many reasons why figs are a perfect fruit to try! One reason is that fig season is starting in June. Another reason is that figs contain many important vitamins and nutrients that are essential for good health and proper functioning of the body. Last but not least, figs are simply a sweet and delicious fruit that you are bound to love!

Figs are a fruit that grow from the ficus tree. They are native to the Middle East and the Mediterranean region. Fig trees can grow up to about twenty to thirty feet and have smooth white bark and large leaves that are broken into about three to four sections. A fun fact is that many figs are pollinated by the fig wasp. While bearing pollen from another fig as well as her own eggs she squeezes into a small opening at the base of the fig called an ostiole. Once inside, the wasp deposits the eggs that will later hatch and continue this cycle, and spreads the pollen inside the fig. She then dies and is consumed by the fig for nutrients. If that’s not cool then I don’t know what is.

Figs contain great amounts of potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium as well as vitamins A (for eye and skin health), E (for lowering blood pressure) , and K (for helping with blood clotting). They also contain great amounts of fiber and just happen to be fat, sodium, and cholesterol free. In a serving of about two fresh figs you will get about 7% of your daily value (DV) of potassium, 4% DV of calcium, 8% DV of iron, and 4% DV of magnesium. You will also get 3% of your DV of vitamin A, 6% DV of vitamin K, and 3 grams of fiber. Fig benefits do not end there.

Figs are tasty eaten simply by themselves but if you want to spice up your morning yogurt just slice some fresh figs on top with some berries and granola or have sliced fresh figs on bread and cheese. Figs are delicious. They’re also good for you. I FIGure you’re just going to have to try them yourself now!

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About Me

Hi! I’m Danielle. I am a Registered Dietitian living in Santa Barbara, and working at UCSB for Residential Dining Services. I am passionate about health and wellness, and enjoy spending my time in the kitchen trying new foods, but also creating old family recipes. With this blog I hope to answer any of your nutrition related questions in a straightforward and realistic manner. Essentially I want to help you answer the question: what should I be eating? Feel free to follow and learn new recipes and nutrition tips.